5 Reasons NOT to Buy the SSQ II MultiPro
The SSQ II MultiPro is a world-class portable metal roof and wall panel machine—no doubt about it. But just because it’s an impressive example of portability and production doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every roofing contractor.
In this article, we’ll dig into when this machine might be overkill for your operation and what to do if it is.
We’ll show you:
Times the SSQ II Might Not Be Your Best Bet
When the SSQ II Actually Makes Sense
Better Portable Rollformer Options for Some Contractors
5 Times the SSQ II Might Not Be Your Best Move
1. Sticker Shock
With accessories or an accessory package, the SSQ II will range anywhere from $78k for a basic residential package to $162k for one that includes notching. If you’re running a smaller crew or only doing roofing part-time, that’s a hefty price tag, and doesn’t include taxes, shipping, additional profile toolings, etc.
However, if you plan to expand into a larger metal roofing, siding, or panel manufacturing operation, the investment may fit perfectly into your long-term business plan. With a couple of large-scale projects, this machine can pay for itself.
Also, keep in mind that while the SSQ II can run up to 16 panel profiles, each is sold separately, so you’ll have to incur that expense whenever you add a profile option to your business. But again, it should pay for itself pretty quickly if it’s a popular profile in your neck of the woods.
2. All Those Capabilities You’ll Never Use
The SSQ II can handle up to 16 different profiles—standing seam, board & batten, soffit, flush wall. Sounds awesome, right? But if you’re running maybe one or two standard standing seam profiles, you’re paying for a lot of capability you’ll never touch. And you don’t need a rocket ship to go to the grocery store.
So, while the SSQ delivers unmatched speed, you’ll have to decide if it’s worth offering more than you can produce with the SSR MultiPro Jr. or SSH MultiPro.
3. More Power Than You Actually Need
This machine has a hydraulic gear drive with 16 polyurethane-coated rollers, and with the gas option, it can push metal panels out at 75 ft/min. That’s serious power for commercial jobs and high-volume work. But for your typical residential projects, you probably don’t need all that muscle.
Contractors have built businesses on the SSR MultiPro Jr. or SSH MultiPro, which can run seven optional standing seam profiles. The big difference is that the SSH uses hydraulics and runs about twice as fast as the SSR. The SSH’s hydraulic shear saves you from manually pulling down the shear with every cut.
4. The Learning Curve Is Steeper
Between the hydraulic shear, the optional UNIQ® Control System, and all the quick-change tooling, there’s definitely more to learn here. If you just need to crank out panels without much fuss, the extra complexity might just be a distraction.
Training can counter this issue. NTM offers free training to all new machine owners and their crews at our facility in Aurora, Colorado, and we can also provide training at your location for a fee. In training, you and your crew will learn essential techniques about changeovers and adjustments, as well as how to maintain your new portable rollforming machine and operate it safely. Training is highly recommended with all our machines.
5. Hard to Justify for Weekend Warriors
If you only fire up the panel machine a couple of times a month, you’re not going to come close to maximizing the capabilities of this high-end machine. Without that high usage, it’s tough to make the numbers work.
Again, it comes down to your business plan. If you expand your operation and in a couple of years you find the SSQ II is exactly the machine you needed, you’ll be happy you didn’t opt for a smaller machine.
The SSQ II also offers that flexibility to have a machine that can grow as your business grows. You can purchase the additional profiles you need when you need them, not incurring all the costs up-front.
Tom Laird, Senior Account Manager
When the SSQ II MultiPro Actually Makes Sense
The SSQ II, NTM’s flagship machine, is a bestseller for good reason. If you’re doing commercial work or high-volume residential jobs or need to run wall panels, soffit, and board and batten, the SSQ II’s flexibility and speed can quickly pay for themselves.
As for the future growth of your operation, we’ve heard customers say they wished they’d purchased the SSQ II as they grew out of their SSR or SSH. Although some purchase the SSQ II as a second machine and run them both, others wish they had purchased it at the start. Our advice is, it’s better to purchase a machine that you’ll grow into rather than a machine you’ll grow out of.
Better Portable Rollformer Options for Some Contractors
SSR™ MultiPro Jr. – The Solid Starter
What it’s good for: Residential and light commercial standing seam work
The deal: Runs seven standing seam profiles, which cover most of what you’ll need for standard jobs. Starting around $41,200 (though a fully decked-out version can hit $68k), it’s way easier on the budget and financing.
The trade-off: Manual shear and chain drive are simpler to maintain and move around, but you’re looking at about 30 ft/min. Also, the SSR runs only on electricity. So in the field, you’ll need a power source.
SSH™ MultiPro – The Sweet Spot
What it’s good for: Contractors who want hydraulic performance but don’t need more than the seven optional standing seam profiles.
The deal: It includes a choice of one standing seam profile and one roller set, with hydraulic drive and shear, plus a PLC batch controller for some automation. The base price is around $65k (often around $95k fully loaded).
Why it works: You get that hydraulic performance and ease of use without the hefty SSQ price tag or footprint. Plus, it’s twice the speed of the SSR.
Quick Comparison for Busy Contractors
| Machine | Price Range | Profiles* | Drive & Shear | Speed | Best For |
| SSQ II | Up to $130k with options (additional $47.2k for notching) | 16 standing seam, roof, & wall | Hydraulic gear, heavy-duty | ~75 ft/min (gas), ~65 ft/min (electric) | High volume, commercial, multi-profile work |
| SSH MultiPro | ~$65k base, ~$95k fully loaded | 7 standing seam | Hydraulic chain drive & shear | ~60 ft/min (gas/electric) | Residential + light commercial with automation |
| SSR MultiPro Jr. | ~$41k–68k depending on setup | 7 standing seam | Manual shear, chain drive | ~30 ft/min (electric) | Residential or low-volume light commercial |
*The SSR and SSH include a choice of profiles. Additional profiles for all machines are sold separately.
Bottom Line on NTM Portable Rollformers
If you’re focused on standard residential work or just getting started and need to watch every dollar, the SSR or SSH will give you solid performance without breaking the bank. The SSQ II is fantastic when you need that top-tier versatility and power, or want to expand into metal siding like flush wall or board and batten.
Do you have questions about which machine might work best for your specific situation? Our expert account managers are happy to help you figure out the right fit. Contact us.